Suspension of police officers from active duty while under investigation

Caroline Russell: It has been reported in the Guardian that two Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers allegedly involved in a chat group that included Wayne Couzens that swapped alleged misogynistic and racist messages have been left on duty even after being placed under criminal investigation. Do you agree that any officer facing allegations of misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia or anti semitism should be suspended from active duty while the investigation is carried out?

The Mayor: National Police Regulations, which the MPS and all forces must adhere to, set the framework for how allegations of misconduct and suspension are dealt with.
The current relevant national Police Regulations provide that each allegation made against an officer, including those outlined in the question, must be considered on its own merits.
Under these Regulations, consideration is given by a Senior Officer to whether an officer should be suspended or placed on restricted duties, including non-public facing roles, whilst the investigation is on-going. This decision is reviewed regularly pending the outcome of the investigation. Suspension is not automatic as it recognises the possibility of malicious allegations being made and the principle – inherent in all policing – of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. I believe that it is important that such consideration is done quickly and thoroughly, and the full investigation carried out as expeditiously as possible.
I welcome the MPS Commissioner’s decision to order an urgent review of all current investigations of sexual and domestic abuse allegations against MPS officers and staff. The detailed examination by the Directorate of Professional Standards will include a thorough check of the vetting history of any individual against whom allegations have been made.
The reviews announced by the Home Secretary into standards within policing provide an opportunity to look again at all current Police Regulations, Codes of Practice and guidance to consider if they need to be strengthened.